Magnesium Deficiency

[EAMom]

http://www.ancient-minerals.com/magnesium-deficiency/symptoms-signs/

 

tics, anorexia, irritability, anxiety...

[fightingmom]

Yep!! it's crazy what it can effect!

[mkur]

Wishful thinking: I hope this is my ds problem - easy fix. My son was sick a lot when he was little and put on lots of abx - this was when they quit taking out tonsils.

 

This would also explain the benefit of epson salt baths (mg sulfate). Wiki's mg sulfate says that it can be absorbed thr the skin and can reduce inflammation.

 

The website you referred to offers mg bath flakes listed as mg chloride. I looks up mg chloride in wiki and found the following comments very interesting.

 

"Toxicology

Magnesium ions are bitter-tasting, and magnesium chloride solutions are bitter in varying degrees, depending on the concentration of magnesium.

Magnesium toxicity from magnesium salts is rare in healthy individuals with a normal diet, because excess magnesium is readily excreted in urine by the kidneys. A few cases of oral magnesium toxicity have been described in persons with normal renal function ingesting large amounts of magnesium salts, but it is rare. If a large amount of magnesium chloride is eaten, it will have effects similar to magnesium sulfate, causing diarrhea, although the sulfate also contributes to the laxative effect in magnesium sulfate, so the effect from the chloride is not as severe."

 

"Medical and veterinary use

Medically-prescribed magnesium supplements such as Slo-Mag and Mag-SR contain magnesium chloride which is slowly released from a matrix. However, since magnesium is absorbed by the body in ionic form (after the salt dissolves in water) such supplements have no advantage over any soluble magnesium salt (for example, magnesium citrate or magnesium aspartate)."

 

Use in Gardening and Horticulture

Because magnesium is a mobile nutrient, magnesium chloride can be effectively used as a substitute for Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salt) to help correct magnesium deficiency in plants via foliar feeding. It is advisable to use a smaller dose when using magnesium chloride compared to the recommended dose of magnesium sulfate (20 g/L).[9] This is due primarily to the chlorine present in magnesium chloride, which can easily reach toxic levels if over-applied and/or applied too often.[10]

 

Wonder if this is also a problem for humans?

 

Wiki mg sulfate says that it can be absorbed thr the skin and can reduce inflammation.

 

http://www.drugs.com/mtm/magnesium-chloride.html Lists it as a drug and give med interactions.

Epson salt (mg sulfate) has 144 drug interactions listed.

 

Nothing is ever simple ....

[Mary M]

My dd's complementary Dr (MD from U of M (Michigan) and utilizes multiple other resources) has her on magnesium supps...we are reaching the third month of about 11 individually chosen supplements and return next week for a follow up. I am compiling my comments based on our observations but I have been amazed at the positive response/function since beginning this regimen. All during a period of time when dh was hospitalized for strep pneumonia and dd and I both were sick with a massive head cold for 2 weeks...and her function has been fairly stable...that was not the case in the past. So, in our case, I do feel the supplements are indeed helping. But I think it is imperative to find a Dr to help you sift through the many supplements and choose specific supps based on blood work/urine. I do not think this is a one pill fits all type of regimen. But other than IVIg (which was worth every penny)...this regimen is paying for itself in daily function.

[nicklemama]

Mary- This is so encouraging. DS has his appt in 1.5wks.

[911RN]

http://www.ancient-minerals.com/magnesium-deficiency/symptoms-signs/

 

tics, anorexia, irritability, anxiety...

 

For what it is worth- most normal,"healthy" children and people that eat a normal diet would seldom be magnesium deficient. Unless you know mag level is low by proof via lab testing- I would refrain from supplementing. Usually see low levels in alcoholics, severe resp conditions, renal failure, chronic illness states etc. Would be unusual to have low mag in most kids.

[LNN]

 

For what it is worth- most normal,"healthy" children and people that eat a normal diet would seldom be magnesium deficient. Unless you know mag level is low by proof via lab testing- I would refrain from supplementing. Usually see low levels in alcoholics, severe resp conditions, renal failure, chronic illness states etc. Would be unusual to have low mag in most kids.

 

But most of us would hardly describe our kids as healthy and my kids' diets may be "normal" but it's far from balanced or full of nutrients. As for lab testing, nearly every source I've come across on the topic of measuring mineral and vitamin levels says that plasma is the least reliable way to measure. If you have a genetic mutation, such as MTHFR, or a genetic condition such as pyroluria, you can put a "normal" amount of stuff into the system and it still won't be enough.

 

So I respect those who feel supplements are not for them but I would also encourage anyone who's intrigued to keep researching, as some have found supplementing specific things have made a world of difference (as Mary said, which specific thing may be very individual). But for some, a deficiency may be the thing that's holding a child back and I personally feel it should be fully explored.

[fightingmom]

 

For what it is worth- most normal,"healthy" children and people that eat a normal diet would seldom be magnesium deficient. Unless you know mag level is low by proof via lab testing- I would refrain from supplementing. Usually see low levels in alcoholics, severe resp conditions, renal failure, chronic illness states etc. Would be unusual to have low mag in most kids.

 

But most of us would hardly describe our kids as healthy and my kids' diets may be "normal" but it's far from balanced or full of nutrients. As for lab testing, nearly every source I've come across on the topic of measuring mineral and vitamin levels says that plasma is the least reliable way to measure. If you have a genetic mutation, such as MTHFR, or a genetic condition such as pyroluria, you can put a "normal" amount of stuff into the system and it still won't be enough.

 

So I respect those who feel supplements are not for them but I would also encourage anyone who's intrigued to keep researching, as some have found supplementing specific things have made a world of difference (as Mary said, which specific thing may be very individual). But for some, a deficiency may be the thing that's holding a child back and I personally feel it should be fully explored.

 

Also wanted to add that nearly every article I have read about magnesium states that the majority (about 60-80%) of the general population is magnesium deficient. It is depleted from our soils, so even the foods that once had much larger amounts of magnesium in them do not contain what they used to. Our need for magnesium has increased due to our exposure to toxins, pesticides, chemicals and our increased consumption of white rice, sugar and breads, etc..

[fightingmom]

Chuck a few extra blueberries in those smoothies, just for good measure. I've been reading a lot about blueberries lately and this article is easy to read and sums up a lot of what i've seen in bits and pieces of other articles -- and mentions cholesterol, inflammation and the brain:

 

http://www.drbriffa.com/2012/04/06/are-berries-good-for-the-brain/

 

They are good for intestinal disease and good to take with probiotics:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100208145055.htm

 

And, protective effects on the liver:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100617102706.htm

Edited April 6, 2012 by fightingmom

[EAMom]

 

For what it is worth- most normal,"healthy" children and people that eat a normal diet would seldom be magnesium deficient. Unless you know mag level is low by proof via lab testing- I would refrain from supplementing. Usually see low levels in alcoholics, severe resp conditions, renal failure, chronic illness states etc. Would be unusual to have low mag in most kids.

 

But most of us would hardly describe our kids as healthy and my kids' diets may be "normal" but it's far from balanced or full of nutrients. As for lab testing, nearly every source I've come across on the topic of measuring mineral and vitamin levels says that plasma is the least reliable way to measure. If you have a genetic mutation, such as MTHFR, or a genetic condition such as pyroluria, you can put a "normal" amount of stuff into the system and it still won't be enough.

 

So I respect those who feel supplements are not for them but I would also encourage anyone who's intrigued to keep researching, as some have found supplementing specific things have made a world of difference (as Mary said, which specific thing may be very individual). But for some, a deficiency may be the thing that's holding a child back and I personally feel it should be fully explored.

 

Also wanted to add that nearly every article I have read about magnesium states that the majority (about 60-80%) of the general population is magnesium deficient. It is depleted from our soils, so even the foods that once had much larger amounts of magnesium in them do not contain what they used to. Our need for magnesium has increased due to our exposure to toxins, pesticides, chemicals and our increased consumption of white rice, sugar and breads, etc..

 

 

Yes..and that cystic fibrosis blog said that long term Azith. (and certain other antibiotics/megs) can deplete Magnesium. Also, I have a child that does NOT eat greens, so I can't say her diet is balanced. I think there are a lot of kids that are like that. So, I think the combination (less than ideal diet, plus Azith) is a recipe for low Magnesium.

 

My dh e-mailed our ped about testing. She didn't think the blood (serum?) test (or even the RBC test--where they look for Magnesium in the RBC's) were very good tests, implying we should just supplement (although she didn't necessarily think that would be the "answer" to our problems).

 

@ fightingmom yes, I try to get her to eat blueberries! Sometimes she likes them frozan, or in smoothies, or just fresh.

[norcalmom]

Below are a couple articles-

http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/magnesium/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC295344/

 

This is where we started when we though DS had tourettes early on. Its one of the first things recommended for tics. I know that stress will deplete your mineral stores - and produce twiching - involuntary muscle movements that will disappear when you take mag/cal supplements. I had this happening when I herniated a disk in my back years ago. I mentioned twiches to an accupuncturist that said that she saw this with people in chronic pain - they burn through minerals faster (and or can't absorb them). I love and still sometimes take a supplement called - Min -Tran (mineral trasnfer) and have given it to DS a few times as well. Its also just enough of an relaxant to help you sleep - extremely mild - you have to focus on the effect about 10-15 minutes after taking it, but for me its enough to help "turn off" if I feel like I'm going to have problem sleeping.

 

you can learn more about it here: http://www.standardprocess.com/display/StandardProcessCatalog.spi?ID=104

 

Almonds are a great source - I used make smoothies everyday with a couple tablespoons of almond butter(can't really taste this), strawberries or blue berries, a bannana, and teaspoon of lemon fishoil. sometimes some yogurt...I don't think the fruit is high in magnesium...but you are supposed to take with (calcium? ) to help absorbtion? (can't remember)..or was it VIT C? ohh I just googled it - its both. Below is list of tips. Also, high doeses of Vit D can chelate it..so gotta watch out not giving too much D.

 

Honestly, it didn't do much. (made me feel better)...and at least I knew the tics were not a product of poor nutrition - but DS needed IVIG, his tics were pandas, not poor nutrition.

 

Love the handheld blenders if you are making smoothies - the plug in ones rather than battery/rechargable - are better - and I use the measuring cup that some of them come with to mix right in. No blender to clean. Just rinse the blade really well and drink out of the large mixing cup - which fits int he dishwasher.

 

You can google food sources of magnesium for more info.

 

Tips on absorbtion here:

http://www.ehow.com/how_3954_absorb-magnesium-supplements.html

[dut]

Hven't had a good look at this site but seems to contain lots of info..

 

http://www.nutritionalmagnesium.org/

 

and here's an excerpt from one of the drs on the site re ca/mag balance

 

Typically, less than half of calcium intake is absorbed in the gut(2), the rest either being excreted or potentially forming kidney stones or being transported to soft tissues where it can harden (calcify).

Adequate levels of magnesium are essential for the absorption and metabolism of calcium and vitamin D.

 

Magnesium converts vitamin D into its active form so that it can aid calcium absorption. Magnesium also stimulates the hormone calcitonin, which helps to preserve bone structure and draws calcium out of the blood and soft tissues back into the bones, lowering the likelihood of osteoporosis, some forms of arthritis, heart attack and kidney stones.

There is a growing amount of scientific evidence pointing to high calcium - low magnesium intake leading to calcification, or hardening, of arteries (atherosclerosis - the number one cause of death in the U.S.), osteoporosis and osteoporotic bone fractures(3, 4).

Recommendations for calcium intake vary greatly. In the U.S., adults are told to take 1,000 mg per day and women over 50 are told to take up to 1,500 mg. In the United Kingdom, the RDA is 700 mg daily, while the World Health Organization recommends only 400-500 mg.

 

Often supplementation is taken without consideration for the amount of calcium in the diet both from food sources and from water. Many people, especially those consuming dairy products, have high-calcium diets. This can lead to a greater amount of unabsorbed calcium.

 

"Most people - and most MDs - do not understand the importance of calcium-magnesium balance at a cellular level. The effectiveness and benefits of calcium with respect to bone health and the prevention of osteoporosis are enormously impaired in the absence of adequate levels of magnesium in the body," Dr. Dean states.

 

"If we consume too much calcium without sufficient magnesium," according to Dean, "not only will we create stress within the body but the excess calcium won't be utilized correctly and may become toxic. Magnesium keeps calcium dissolved in the blood. Too much calcium and too little magnesium can cause some forms of arthritis, kidney stones, osteoporosis and calcification of the arteries, leading to heart attack and cardiovascular disease(5).

 

"The commonly agreed-upon ratio of 2:1 calcium to magnesium found in many supplements traces back to French scientist Jean Durlach(6)," explains Dean, "who stipulated the 2:1 ratio as an outermost not-to-be-exceeded level when considering calcium intake from all sources (food, water and supplements). This has been largely misunderstood and is taken as a recommendation of a 2:1 calcium-to-magnesium

imbalance.

 

"The fact that most people do not get their minimum daily requirement of magnesium exacerbates the situation. The high calcium - low magnesium diet of most Americans when coupled with calcium supplementation can give a Ca to Mg imbalance of 4: or 5:1, which constitutes a walking time bomb of impaired bone health and heart disease."

 

Dr. Dean recommends monitoring calcium intake, supplementing with vitamin D, getting the minimum daily requirement of magnesium, "and going for a 1:2 or at the very least a 1:1 calcium-magnesium balance."

[LNN]

DUT - thanks for this. It supports what my doc told me this week when I asked if we should be supplementing calcium along with the magnesium. He felt that with the kids' diets being weighted toward calcium intake and low in D (due to New England climate as well as illness), that supplementing magnesium only, with D3 at a different time of day, would be better for bones and development. Always feels good to then read something that jives.

 

FWIW - magnesium hasn't been our "silver bullet" - our miracle supplement is zinc/B6. But I think looking at the whole interplay is both fascinating and potentially very rewarding. I find myself taking some of the things we're using with the kids and feel so much better. Balanced nutrition = better health. Who knew?

[fightingmom]

DUT - thanks for this. It supports what my doc told me this week when I asked if we should be supplementing calcium along with the magnesium. He felt that with the kids' diets being weighted toward calcium intake and low in D (due to New England climate as well as illness), that supplementing magnesium only, with D3 at a different time of day, would be better for bones and development. Always feels good to then read something that jives.

 

FWIW - magnesium hasn't been our "silver bullet" - our miracle supplement is zinc/B6. But I think looking at the whole interplay is both fascinating and potentially very rewarding. I find myself taking some of the things we're using with the kids and feel so much better. Balanced nutrition = better health. Who knew?

 

It supports all the reading I have done over the last year or more, too.

 

Hasn't been a silver bullet for us either, but I'm looking at a bigger picture of overall health and magnesium is part of it. I'm trying to really incorporate it through diet as much as possible.

 

I think a lot of our current health state as humans overall could really be eliminated if we went back to the basics and ate whole foods and things were were not processed and loaded with hydrogenated crap and chemicals. Avoiding BPA's in plastics is another thing I've been trying to do. Exposure to toxins, pesticides, metals, etc. all are pounding our bodies and immune systems and I think that eating healthy and eliminating as much as we can will make a big difference. Of course this is the kind of thing that can take a long time before you notice any impact. I'm still traveling down this path as it can only help in the end.

[LNN]

Fightingmom - we are kindered spirits. Unfortunatley, my kids are "racists" and pre-judge anything that doesn't look like and taste like a Dorito. So for now, I am raising pill poppers but am slowly working toward the more natural, whole food delivery mechanisms.

 

Last week, I went grocery shopping on April 1st. When I came home, my son went for the grocery bags and asked where the cookies were. I told him I didn't buy any junk food. That we were all going to eat only healthy foods. My husband turned pale as a ghost and started to speak when I winked at him (It was April Fool's and the bag of junk food was in the car). Much to my shock, the kids whimpered and then asked for some cheese and pretzels. Totally shocked and encouraged me! The cookies were still happily devoured but I'm finding that I may be able to ever so slowly ween them from the worst of the worst. In the meantime, "take your pills" is the most common phrase used in the house.